HOLDEN has pulled something out of the hat with its new Australian-built JH Cruze range.

No, not the long-awaited five-door hatch, but a sweet little 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine that also comes with more sophisticated rear-end suspension and electric power steering.

Available for just $1250 over the improved but still dull 1.8-litre Ecotec CD (and standard on the sporty SRi and SRi-V), it elevates a spacious, safe, solid and well-equipped sedan of limited driver appeal to a breezy and involving bargain.

The fact that GM makes it in Adelaide is an extra bonus. Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai and even Volkswagen: you have been warned.